Avalanches are a real hazard in Colorado's high country. Understanding the risks—and how we manage them—is part of being an informed backcountry visitor.
What Is an Avalanche?
An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a slope. They can be triggered by:
- Natural causes (wind, new snow, temperature changes)
- Human activity (skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling)
- Cornice collapses
Avalanche Terrain
Avalanches typically occur on:
- Slopes between 25-50 degrees
- Open bowls and gullies
- Areas with wind-loaded snow
- Terrain traps (cliffs, trees, rocks below)
How We Manage Risk
White Mountain Tours takes avalanche safety seriously:
Daily Assessment
- Check Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) forecasts
- Assess local conditions before tours
- Adjust routes based on current danger
- Cancel or modify tours when necessary
Route Selection
- Tours primarily use lower-angle terrain
- Avoid known avalanche paths
- Stay on established routes
- Guides know local terrain intimately
Guide Training
- All guides trained in avalanche awareness
- Regular refresher training
- Years of local experience
- Knowledge of specific terrain features
Avalanche Danger Ratings
The CAIC uses a 1-5 scale:
- 1 - Low: Generally safe conditions
- 2 - Moderate: Heightened conditions possible
- 3 - Considerable: Dangerous conditions likely
- 4 - High: Very dangerous conditions
- 5 - Extreme: Avoid backcountry travel
What Guests Should Know
- Trust your guide's decisions
- Stay on designated routes
- Don't venture away from the group
- Tours may be modified for safety
For Independent Riders
If you ride on your own in avalanche terrain:
- Take an avalanche safety course
- Carry beacon, shovel, and probe
- Know how to use rescue equipment
- Check forecasts daily
- Never ride alone in avalanche terrain
- Practice rescue scenarios
Resources
- CAIC: avalanche.state.co.us - Daily forecasts
- Avalanche Courses: AIARE certification
- Apps: CAIC app for mobile forecasts
Our Priority
Your safety is our top priority. We'd rather disappoint you with a cautious decision than put anyone at risk. If conditions require tour modifications or cancellations, we'll explain why and offer alternatives.